Fragmented Split-Thickness Skin Graft Using a Razor Blade in Burn Induced Diabetic Foot

ABSTRACT

Diabetic patients have an increased risk of burn injuries on foot. Because of their diabetic neuropathy, they could contact with hot water or warming device without being aware of it. Split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is successful in treatment of various wound types; however, donor site wounds are sometimes problematic, and complications such as pain and impaired healing often occur. Although, donor site wounds in healthy young individuals can rapidly heal without complications, the wound-healing capacity of elderly patients or those with a comorbidity has been reported to be low. The dermatome is the most commonly used tool because it can harvest a large skin graft in one attempt. However, it is difficult to harvest tissues if the area is not flat. Furthermore, because the harvested skin is usually rectangular, additional skin usually remains after skin grafting. Therefore, use of razor blade and fragmented STSG on a large defect area is advantageous for harvesting a graft with a desired size, shape, and thickness. From January 2018 to July 2018, fragmented STSG was used in 9 patients who suffered from burn induced open wound on foot with diabetic neuropathy. With this approach, healing process was relatively rapid. The mean age of patients was 70 (57∼86 years) and all of 9 patients had diabetes mellitus type 2. In all patients, the skin graft on the defect site healed well and did not result in complications such as hematoma or seroma.